What is separation anxiety, or why do dogs go crazy when they're alone?

Does your dog have a bad time when you leave him home alone? Does he destroy furniture, cushions, toys, and everything he finds in his path? Does he bark, howl, and have the neighbors already complained?… Well, all this points to a problem of separation anxiety. But don't despair because, in this post, we explain what separation anxiety is, its causes, and how to solve it.

Why does my dog chew everything when I leave?

Separation anxiety in dogs is associated with their cohabitation with humans. When dogs live with other dogs, they do not suffer from separation anxiety. This distress is usually due to being very attached to you; you are so bonded with your dog that as soon as you leave, he goes from having a lot of attention to none.

The dog's past and breed are determining factors in separation anxiety

Some dogs are very dependent on their owners, and this varies by breed and past. This problem is more evident, for example, with the Jack Russell Terrier, the Yorkshire, the Chihuahua, or Dachshunds.

Dogs that have been abandoned are also prone to separation anxiety. During the weaning phase, the mother teaches her puppies not to be so attached to her by no longer responding to their requests. After this phase, it is important that the person who adopts the puppy continues with this learning focused on solitude.

Important events that can lead to separation anxiety

Even if your dog is not prone to separation anxiety, some events can facilitate this behavior: a move or a change in work schedule, a new family member to care for him... Many dogs react aggressively to these events, which triggers separation anxiety.

Tips to reduce separation anxiety

Initially, it's important to show your dog who he should obey by establishing daily rules. A well-trained dog will feel secure and follow his owner willingly, without complaining at all.

Toys and tricks to combat separation anxiety

Give him simple commands and teach him tricks: Sit, lie down, stay, come... Also, try to work on his mental stimulation; a physically tired dog will pay more attention to your commands and listen better.

Make him sit or lie down in his bed or usual spot, and then command him to stay there. Once he's lying down, slowly back away, and if he gets up, start the process again and calmly make him lie down in his bed. You need a lot of patience and many treats.

Once he stays in his bed, remain in the same room but continue with your activities so that your dog gets used to behaving well where you asked him to. After this, you will decide when he can get out of bed. Then, repeat this operation by going to another room and pretending to leave. Jingle your house keys, make them sound, put on your coat, and sit on the sofa for a while, let your dog see that you are calm, and thus he will calm down too.

Stay outside the house to monitor his reaction. Don't go in as soon as you hear him bark; otherwise, he will have learned that he will get your attention every time he does so and that you will come back. Start with a few seconds, then extend it to 5 minutes, until he can be left alone for half an hour.

Try to leave him with toys within reach, soft ones so they don't damage his teeth or gums. If he has his own things to entertain himself with, he probably won't take it out on the living room furniture. As for the type of toys, natural latex ones are better than plastic ones, so if he swallows a piece, nothing would happen because it's non-toxic.

We hope we have helped you with these simple tricks to prevent separation anxiety in your dog.

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